From the return of the enormously popular AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds Theme Night to a skating party at the Berger Foundation Iceplex, Acrisure Arena celebrates the rich traditions of Community, Culture and Cuisine with Día de los Muertos.
Acrisure Arena, Southern California’s newest world-class venue destination, is proud to host a series of Día de los Muertos celebrations, a vibrant tribute to the holiday and Mexican heritage of Coachella Valley.
Firebirds Return Home this Week
Coachella Valley Firebirds return home to face the Ontario Reign this Friday, October 25th at 7:00pm for Dia De Los Muertos, presented by Estrella Jalisco. Fans are encouraged to get to the game early for an evening celebrating the vibrant Latin culture and communities of the Coachella Valley featuring live music, pre-game activations, photos opportunities, great food and beverage specials, and a themed scarf giveaway!
Party on the Plaza
Guests will be welcomed with a myriad of activities from community organizations, including Run with Los Muertos’ giant Mojigangas puppets, City of Indio’s Ofrenda Altar, crafts and giveaways, live Mariachi music, Ballet Folkloric pre-game performance and more.
The first 6,000 guests will receive a complimentary Día de los Muertos scarf and the Firebirds team store will feature limited-edition Día de los Muertos merchandise, along with pop-up street food and beverage experiences throughout the venue and a variety of in-game surprises.
Mexican Cuisine
Arena eateries and local vendors will offer an array of authentic Mexican food and beverage specials, including $8 Esquites cups – a delicious street corn dish with a blend of spices, lime, and cotija cheese, street tacos, and specialty cocktails and mocktails including a variety of offerings from the Milgaro and new Navarro Tequila bars.
A Game with a Greater Purpose
In addition to fast-paced hockey, delicious food and cultural activities, Día de los Muertos is more than just a hockey game or a party; it’s a match up that makes a difference.
“The focus on integrating local businesses and organizations has always been on the forefront for the Firebirds and the Arena as a whole” said Coachella Valley Firebirds’ Vice-President of Marketing & Team Business Services, Gina Rotolo. “And Día de los Muertos is no exception. This is truly a community wide celebration, and one that supports and will be able to give back to our community.”
Last year’s Día de los Muertos hockey game, the Coachella Valley Firebirds philanthropic arm, One Valley Foundation, raised over $100k with online themed jersey auctions via DASH app and other team-signed gear and Día-themed items. The generosity of Firebirds fans, along with additional support from One Valley Foundation provided $20k donations to both Indio and Coachella Valley High School’s Future Farmers of America programs. This year proceeds from the Warmup Worn Jerseys will benefit Farm Worker Housing in the Coachella Valley.
“One Valley Foundation is committed to celebrating and honoring Mexican heritage,” said Andrew Mason, Coachella Valley Firebirds Senior Director of Community, “and one of the ways we do that is by supporting the rich history of agriculture. Farm workers have made agriculture the leading industry in the Coachella Valley, and celebrating their legacy and supporting a foundation for their future is central to our mission.”
Fans can also support One Valley Foundation by purchasing the new version of the ever-so-popular Día de los Muertos Hat, and to bid on autographed and warm-up worn Día jerseys, exclusively available on the DASH Auction App.
Festivities Continue at the Iceplex
Following the hockey game, the Día de los Muertos celebration continues on November 1 with a Día de los Muertos Skate event at the Berger Foundation Iceplex. Families and friends are invited to enjoy a fun-filled evening complete with free skate rentals for guests who dress in costume, interactive light show, House DJ, and photo opportunities, marigold flower giveaways for the first 100 guests, and games and giveaways for skaters of all ages.